Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip had killed no fewer than 60 people overnight, medics told Palestinian media on Tuesday.
This is as a result of Israel pressing ahead with its punishing new air and ground offensive against Hamas.
While,the assault came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to eradicate the Palestinian militant group and take over “all areas” of the densely populated coastal territory.
The WAFA news agency reported that 12 people were killed in the city of Deir al-Balah in the centre of the Gaza Strip.
It said that further deaths were reported in Khan Younis in the south and near Gaza City.
Israel’s ramped-up attacks, part of the Gideon’s Chariots operation had announced late on Friday, killing more than 100 people daily, according to tallies.
Israel’s has said that its goal is to dismantle Hamas and free the dozens of hostages still being held by militants, 19 months after the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks.
After a nearly three-month blockade, Netanyahu began allowing small amounts of basic aid to enter Gaza on Monday.
He cited pressure from international partners who said the 2 million Palestinians living in the territory were being pushed into famine.
Netanyahu hits back at Starmer, Macron, Carney over Gaza criticism
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the leaders of Britain, France and Canada of offering Hamas a “huge prize” after they called for an end to intensified military operations in Gaza.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier condemned the Israeli government’s “egregious” esclation in Gaza, warning of concrete actions unless Netanyahu changes course.
But the Israeli prime minister said his country would press on for total victory over Hamas.
In a joint statement, Starmer, Macron and Carney said: “If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.”
The leaders called on Hamas to release the hostages it took in the heinous attack on October 7, 2023.
“We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism,” the three leaders said.
“But this escalation is wholly disproportionate.”
Netanyahu hit back, saying: “By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state.
The leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities.”
He added: “The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled and Gaza is demilitarised.
“No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly won’t.
“This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.”
The UN’s humanitarian relief chief Tom Fletcher, a former British diplomat said nine aid trucks were cleared to enter after Israel’s blockade was lifted, “but it is a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed.”
“Our expectations for today’s crossings are realistic: given ongoing bombardment and acute hunger levels, the risks of looting and insecurity are significant,” he warned.